Dispelling the many myths about dual language development, the expert authors arm future professionals with the information they need to support young bilingual children and their families, all while meeting Head Start's guidelines on cultural and linguistic responsiveness. Preservice professionals will get a solid foundation of knowledge to help them: address reading impairments in dual language learners; minimize barriers to language development in internationally adopted children; give children continuous, consistent, and rich exposure to both languages; recognize the typical stages of second-language learning; determine when a language delay is the result of an actual disorder; prevent attrition of the child's first language; make appropriate decisions about the schooling of dual language learners; understand code mixing and successfully factor it into language assessments; apply effective assessment strategies to accurately diagnose language impairments; plan interventions that are culturally appropriate and respect the child's identity; and address parents' concerns and help them support their child's development in both languages.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.